Sudan orders temporary reduction of storage fees at Port Sudan

August 23, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s finance ministry issued a temporary rule reducing fees for shipments received at Port-Sudan for two weeks.

Awad Al-Jaz, minister of finance met today with representatives from Transport ministry, Port authority, Customs & Tax department, Central Bank and labor union.

Al-Jaz ordered 10% reduction in storage fees for incoming shipments and 50% for existing ones at Port-Sudan staring Sunday.

Sudan official News Agency (SUNA) quoted Al-Jaz as saying that decision aims at facilitating trade and stopping increase in prices of goods for Sudanese citizens.

However he warned that owners of containers stuck at the port have 3 months to remove them before the authorities will confiscate them.

Al-Jaz finance minister also pledged to modernize Port Sudan and develop working mechanisms there.

The labor union hailed the ministry’s decision saying it will be effective in halting price increases in goods.

(ST)